Book profiles over 130 of Midwest's parklands

May 06, 2007

DES MOINES (AP) -- Dan Kaercher says his favorite park is Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. But he didn't play favorites in compiling "Parklands of the Midwest: Celebrating the Natural Wonders of America's Heartland" (Globe Pequot Press, $19.95), a new book that profiles more than 130 parks in 12 states. The book covers parks in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Kaercher visited the parks last summer as part of an 11,000-mile road trip. The book is the third in a series that began with his "Best of the Midwest: Rediscovering America's Heartland," published in 2005, and "Taste of the Midwest," published in 2006. All three books coincided with special issues of Midwest Living magazine and public television series. A one-hour "Parklands of the Midwest" PBS special has already started airing nationwide and the companion series will begin airing around the country later this spring. "Parklands of the Midwest" includes descriptions, photos, tips on what to see and do, where to stay and eat, and even recipes like one for "Katy Trail Chocolate Flourless Cake" from Les Bourgeois Vineyards winery and bistro near Rocheport, Mo. Kaercher's visit to Missouri included biking part of the Katy Trail. In Kaercher's home state, Iowa, he hiked trails along the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, and visited the Yellow River State Forest and the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. His other Iowa recommendations include the Feedbunk Cafe in Moorhead, Sweet Fanny's Pub and Dining Room in Sioux City, and the Timber Ridge Ranch and Winery in Mapleton. As for Kaercher's favorite, the North and South units of Theodore Roosevelt Park, he describes the view from the River Bend Overlook as having "not a single hint of human endeavor as far as the eye can see. Surely this must be what captivated Theodore Roosevelt as well, back in 1883." Kaercher's visit there included birdwatching, horseback riding, hiking in a petrified forest, mountain biking and visiting the Center of Western Heritage and Cultures, but he acknowledges that the park's 110 square miles of badlands and flinty grasslands are "way off the beaten path for most travelers." Kaercher, the founding editor-in-chief of Midwest Living, retired April 9 after more than 20 years with the magazine. He was succeeded by executive editor Greg Philby. Kaercher said in a statement that he hopes the book will help increase volunteering and financial support for Midwest parks.